Chicago Blackhawks award one-year contract to veteran Ray Emery as backup goalie -NHL News Update
It was a tough time for veteran goalie, Ray Emery, after the 29-year-old managed to make a miraculous comeback into the National Hockey League (NHL) following a near career ending hip surgery before the 2011 NHL Playoffs.
Luckily, Emery chose to tryout with Chicago Blackhawks to fill out an open position with them as a backup goalie to Corey Crawford and succeeded as the 2010 Stanley Cup champions signed him to a one-year deal on Monday, October 10, 2011.
Chicago Blackhawks' vice president/general manager, Stan Bowman, made the announcement which had both candidates for the position, Ray Emery and Alexander Salak, awaiting the final decision.
"We're in the fortunate position to have to make a difficult decision on two net minders that impressed throughout our entire training camp", said Bowman. "Having both Ray Emery and Alexander Salak as a part of the Chicago Blackhawks organization makes us
stronger in both the short-term and long-term".
The one-year deal between Chicago and Emery is believed to be worth $600,000.
Blackhawks faced turmoil as they lost their Stanley Cup winning goalie, Antti Niemi, after the 2009-2010 season but found a great back-up, ready to go mainstream goalie in Corey Crawford.
Having to face a number of injuries throughout his career which have certainly put his reputation at stake, Ray Emery believes that he can play again in full form but thinks that it would obviously take time to settle in again to a regular NHL environment.
“I think they know what to expect from me as far as my track record goes”, Emery said. “I feel good. It’s a weird situation for me. I know I can play”.
Drafted as the 99th overall pick during round-four of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by Ottawa Senators, Emery played five seasons with his original draft team, with whom registered career high numbers of 33 wins in a single season out of 58 games played
in.
He moved on to Philadelphia Flyers as the 2009-2010 season began followed by a transition to Anaheim Ducks, who did not re-sign him after becoming an unrestricted free agent earlier in July.
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